Tuesday, March 22, 2011

It wasn't... personal.

ugh.
today I was reading a blog written by a woman who was raised in an LDS family and has not remained a member of the LDS church.
{if you didn't already know I am an active member of the church of Jesus Christ of latter-day saints}
she was very witty/talented and her blog was definitely entertaining until I started to read her negative/harsh comments about my faith and the members of it and I started to get an all too familiar defensive feeling. it just started bubbling up inside me and I couldn't stop it.

now look, I get it. we all have our own opinions and I don't know what caused her to develop hers, but I certainly can respect that she has different viewpoint than mine. the trouble is I always seem to take negativity so personally. in this case I am especially conflicted. sure this woman's intentions were not to offend anyone or hurt anyone (i hope) so I should feel it is a personal affront to my beliefs...

but in general how can I stop myself from feeling like its personal when someone says something negative about something/someone I love?

Joe Fox: It wasn't... personal.
Kathleen Kelly: What is that supposed to mean? I am so sick of that. All that means is that it wasn't personal to you. But it was personal to me. It's *personal* to a lot of people. And what's so wrong with being personal, anyway?
Joe Fox: Uh, nothing.
Kathleen Kelly: Whatever else anything is, it ought to begin by being personal.
-You've Got Mail


 

1 comment:

Catherine Gacad said...

I've been thinking about your blog post, wanting to comment but not knowing what to say. As someone who's religious, I've become desensitized to general attacks on organized religion. However, I also know there is greatness in being able to think and believe freely. And in this era of oppression, I certainly appreciate people who take a stand and have an opinion--whether that's aligned with mine or not. It's a good thing! Your blog is beautiful. Thank you for sharing.